Vikings: Taken (The Great Heathen Army series Book 1) by Ceri Bladen

Author:Ceri Bladen [Bladen, Ceri]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: LCB - Createspace
Published: 2016-12-01T00:00:00+00:00

Once nearly all the cargo was on his boats, Ubba relaxed. It had been a long trek from Jórvík to the shore, but luckily, they hadn’t had encountered any problems. But, then again, he hadn’t expected any because most of England was now ruled under their Dane Law.

Suddenly feeling the warmth of the summer day, Ubba strode off the boat towards the shore. Kneeling down, he quickly dunked his head in the cold, refreshing water and shook it. He pushed his fingers through his hair before knotting it back at his neck. He needed that, to awaken and freshen him up before their sea journey.

As he kneeled and quietly said his personal prayer to the god of travel, he watched the captives get shoved onto the boats. It was obvious, by the way their eyes longed for the land, that they didn’t want to go. He shrugged, unconcerned. He needed the extra help at Ranaricii, and after all, it was the reason he’d fed and kept them alive.

Earlier on, he’d instructed his boatswain and Gunnar to put all the captives on the boat he was on. He wanted to keep an eye on them, and definitely on Rosfrith. His gaze searched for her and he grunted. Her hair was unbraided and flowing down her back. He sighed. She wouldn’t have that crowning glory for much longer. Suddenly, a frown appeared on his face. Why should I care that her hair will be cut short? All thralls had their hair shaved, indicating they were of a lower social class and of no consequence.

He yanked his gaze away from Rosfrith, unsettled by this conflicting thoughts. He would be better not thinking about the Lord’s child again, for once they survived the journey and were in Ranaricii, his duty to her was finished. She’d be only a thrall, the same as all the other thralls.

Grunting to himself, he made his way back to the boat.

“Gunnar, place the captives towards the stern,” Ubba said as he stepped on board. His eyes narrowed on the group, who were in the process of sitting down. “Make sure they are secured. I don’t want anyone going overboard. Once we are out at sea, they can be freed.”

Bard stepped forward. “Is that a good idea to free them?”

“Sire,” Gunnar corrected, irritated with Bard’s lack of respect.

Ubba brushed his gaze over Bard, before inwardly sighing. “Are you questioning me, Bard?” His eyes narrowed on him. He was glad to notice Bard flinch under their icy blast.

“No, sire,” he said taking a step away.

“Well, let’s get underway then,” Ubba said, before turning inwards. “To Ranaricii we go!”

A cheer filled the air.

Once the boatswain gave the order, the ship slowly moved away from the shore, only picking up speed when the rowers found their rhythm.

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